Cosmopolitan Cocktails from Dream Destinations

October 10, 2011

Places so good that they named a cocktail after them

There’s nothing quite like a cocktail to make you feel like you’re on holiday. The combination of the exotic sight, smell and of course taste of a cool cocktail professionally mixed and served is a sure-fire way to get you in the right mentality for whatever type of break you’re embarking on.

Whether they’re an old familiar favourite or a daring new experiment, alcoholic or not, cocktails can always inspire good times, wherever you go. More than this, cocktails can often do a great job of setting the mood, from the suave and sophisticated Martini that screams elegant fine dining, to the Piña Colada which perfectly fits a lazy day on the beach.

But what of some of the great cocktails that are named after actual countries and cities? How do they represent their namesakes? Well, come with us on a round-the-world tour of places that inspired their very own exotic glass-chargers!

Singapore Sling

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz gin

½ oz cherry liqueur

¼ oz Cointreau

¼ DOM Benedictine

4 oz pineapple juice

½ oz lime juice

½ oz grenadine

Created in 1915 for the wonderfully elegant and stylish Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling is as cool and enjoyable as the atmosphere of the South-East Asian island itself. Its cosmopolitan ingredients and broad appeal fit the open, welcoming nature of Singapore to a tee.

White Russian

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz vodka

¾ oz Kahlua

¾ oz cream

The strong, simple flavours of a White Russian will have you coming back for more as you sip it as an easy-going after dinner drink. It evokes a sweet and lingering taste that’s suitable for all weathers.

Flaming Mexican Flag

Ingredients:

½ oz white tequila

½ oz 151 proof rum

½ oz grenadine

½ oz Creme de Menthe

By layering on the grenadine, then Creme de Menthe, the tequila and finally the 151 rum on the top, you create a nice and colourful representation of the Mexican flag in a glass. Then once you light the top, watch the flame roar, blow it out and drink the shot, you’ll have a fiery kick in your throat that’s every bit as lively as Mexico itself!

Manhattan

Ingredients:

2 oz rye whiskey

½ oz sweet vermouth

2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Maraschino cherry for garnish

An indisputable classic, the Manhattan has all the suave sophistication of its namesake. What better way to summarize the elegant chic of New York’s style island than with this blend of bitters and sweet vermouth?

Florida Tracksuit

Ingredients:

½ oz orange vodka

½ oz raspberry liqueur

2 oz Red Bull

This cocktail may not sound have a very glamorous sounding name, but it certainly give you the energy you need to enjoy the party towns of the Sunshine State! Outlast the heat of Miami on your Florida holidays with a few of these bad boys and dance the night away.

They don’t call them tracksuits for nothing – they get you up and going!

Roman’s Scandal

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz orange gin

½ oz Martini sweet vermouth

¾ oz Noilly Prat

½ oz kirsch

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

It’s no secret that Italian cities are famed for their romantic atmosphere and Rome is no exception. Share a few of these with the special someone in your life and you’ll be ready to mix up a Roman’s Scandal of your own!

Warsaw Waffle

Ingredients:

1 part maple syrup

3 parts vodka

Stir together until the syrup dissolves

So simple yet so satisfying! Try this delicious innovation to fully complement the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of Poland.

Oh and don’t feel bad if you also want to order up some actual waffles to go along with your newfound favourite.

London Buck

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz gin

½ oz fresh lemon juice

Top up with ginger ale, ice and add lemon peel twist

Nothing emphasizes the zesty energy of old London town like a London Buck. This cocktail is smooth, refreshing and full of life, much like the capital itself. The lemon peel twist represents the touch of class, naturally!

Blue Hawaii

Ingredients:

2 oz fresh lime juice

2 oz vodka

1 ½ oz blue curacao

½ oz Galliano

Fruit, ice and sparkly bits

Now the Blue Hawaii is how cocktails at the exotic end of the scale are supposed to look: big, brightly coloured and preferably with all the trimmings of fruit, umbrellas and sparkly bits!

Set in the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, it’s not hard to see how Hawaii inspired this little beauty. The endlessly bright and beautiful island is a delight to explore, as is this colourful cocktail creation.